19 problems related to automatic transmission torque converter have been reported for the 2002 Honda Accord.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
1

Failure Date: 10/03/2011

Bought this 2002 Accord w/ 57k miles from pasadena Honda dealership used selection on 10/23/09 and two years later w/ 95. 5k the transmission started jerking from 1st to 2nd and out of reverse. Check engine light came on. Mechanic got no usable codes on the computer so did transmission service, but two days later, problem returned and 700 series codes appeared in diagnosis (torque converter gone bad - transmission needs replacing). D4 light also started flashing on the 3rd day after problem returned (on the way to the mechanic's!). $2800 is cost of 3 year warranty Honda parts dept. Rbuillt transmission and $1100 labor. Honda no longer offering any goodwill repair of any kind. Honda has lost me as a customer for life. Toyota rav 4 (previous car) drove to 215k without any transmission problem at all. Finally got rearended and bought the used Honda Accord next. I've learned my lesson. Toyota is a far superior product to Honda at all levels. Be warned!.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
2

Failure Date: 11/26/2010

On thanksgiving, I was driving my wife and two small children to dinner. I stepped on the accelerator to move onto a busy main road. The car went at first, then revved the rpm and was unable to catch the gear. My car was essentially paralyzed, half sideways with cars having slam to a stop(they expected the car pulling into traffic to be moving-so did I). They eventually would go around creating more problems for other travellers. I let the car idle and eventually heard the gear catch so I was able to drive the car. Since then the transmission has been slipping. I have read numerous complaints this same problem. Apparently, Honda is aware of the the transmission/torque converter problem but is not issuing a recall because it has not been deemed a safety issue. I believe it is due to the cost of the repair and they would rather stick the higher repair bill to their customers or let them risk their safety. The speed limits on our local roads avg between 45-55 mph. I believe it is a significant safety risk to have a car that might not accelerate past 15mph. As a healthcare provider who deals with rehabilitation, I can tell you I have seen significant injuries, paralysis and death due to accidents at lower speeds. I have since been hesitant to drive my car as I fear getting hung out for someone to crash into my vehicle. . Read more...

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
3

Failure Date: 11/22/2010

This is my 2002 Honda Accord 2nd transmission torque converter to fail. I was on the turnpike going 60 mph when my speed started to drop to 0 rapidly. The large trucks behind me was able to go around me in just the nick of time. I thank god we were not killed or anyone else hurt. This is a safety issue. I have found there is a problem with the transmission from 1999 to 2002 with Honda Accords. When the torque converter goes out the car does not know to go faster. The speed just drops without any control. The engine is working hard to make the car go forward. The torque converter goes out without any type of warning. I had a new transmission put in at 71,000 miles it's 146,000 later and the same problem has happened to my car. I would hate to see anyone get seriously hurt or killed with this serious problem. I just had my transmission rebuilt because american Honda is not making new transmission for cars built from 1999 to 2002.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
4

Failure Date: 09/20/2010

I own a 2002 Honda Accord ES loaded with everything. Today, I experienced a transmission malfunction. When the car stops, the transmission disengages while it is still in gear and running. To make the car move forward or backward, I have to rev the motor up to about 1800 rpm's before it will engage. This causes the car to lunge forward when it finally engages and it will certainly cause a wreck. The symptom occurred very gradually and I didn't know it until today when it wouldn't go into gear. Now I know it wasn't just my imagination. I have my car at the shop right now over this incident, and I am told that it is common with these cars by my mechanic. He states it is dangerous and I should replace the torque converter and repair the transmission. This car has about 85k on it. It looks and runs like new -- except the transmission problem. The car is destined to be in an accident because of an uncontrollable engagement of the transmission. This is dangerous. Honda should step up and fix the car with an after market product that will provide the service we expect from Honda.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
5

Failure Date: 09/13/2010

In mid-July of 2010, I began having sporadic transmission issues with my vehicle. On an irregular basis, the automatic transmission would shift in a very rough manner, jolting the vehicle and leading to a dangerous lack of reliability with acceleration with no forewarning. The problem would last approximately 15 minutes and then would rectify itself. When I contacted the dealership, they claimed that there would be no way to diagnose the problem if the check engine light was not on (no computer code being tripped) and they could not replicate the issue. On sept. 13, in the middle of my commute, the check engine light came on and the car would not shift out of first gear, putting me in a dangerous position on a major road. The dealer claims that the computer code states a failure of the torque converter. Allegedly, as the converter was deteriorating, the pieces of metal were falling off of it and into the transmission, causing the shifting problems. Dealer claims that, at this point, the torque converter has damaged the transmission to the degree that both need to be replaced. If it would have been possible to diagnose the faulty torque converter at an earlier date, the transmission may have been saved.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
6

Failure Date: 05/25/2010

I just purchased a car from a third party and the car drove nicely but it had some dashboard lights on so I took the car to my mechanic the next day. He went through the car and checked the codes. The code that came up was the tc (torque converter) solenoid. He recommended replacing the transmission oil to see if that might knock off some crud off the solenoid. The next day I went to get it serviced and noticed on my way to the mechanic that my car seemed to come to a dead stop when I stopped instead of having the feeling like it was still in gear and ready to move forward. I told my mechanic about it, he did the service and said to drive it around to get the new fluid moving through the system. I immediately started having worse issues, the car was not going into first gear when I hit the gas, the rpms would go up and then the car would lurch forward into second. I felt this was not safe because I could ram into the car in front of me if I wasn't careful. When I would stop at a light, I would stop several feet behind the vehicle in front of me to allow for more room to lurch ahead, and I was very concerned about parking my car in the garage if it might unexpectedly lurch into the wall. By the time I got home, my d4 light was flashing. My mechanic recommended not driving until the transmission was checked out. I was surprised when the transmission shop said I needed to replace the transmission . . . At 81,700 miles!?!?. The cause of the problem was a clutch drum and something about a ceiling ring being worn down. They did a soft part overhaul and had to replace the torque converter, clutch drum and linear solenoid. After doing some research, I understand that there was a recall for a similar issue for this type of car in a previous year. I think this year should be added to the list.

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Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
7

Failure Date: 05/01/2010

2002 Accord coupe se - transmission lurching began in approx. Oct 2008. Became very bad in June 2009 at that time slippage also started occurring. Had transmission rebuilt at a cost of almost $4,000. Vehicle now has approx 125,000 miles. Noticed slippage a couple weeks ago - the slippage nearly resulted in an accident. Check engine light came on over the weekend. Took it straight to independent repair shop for diagnosis. Transmission again; came up with two codes: torque converter clutch system and transmission failure. Now have to take back for more work.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
8

Failure Date: 02/05/2010

My 2002 Honda Accord v6 coupe experienced a stuck throttle and runaway acceleration. I slowed the car with the brakes, shifted into neutral, turned off the engine, then re-started it. It went back to redline. Finally, kicking the gas pedal caused the acceleration to stop. I noticed subsequently, that the cruise control had also failed. The dealership (darlings Honda, in bangor, me), told me that the throttle body had broken, near the attachment point of the cruise actuator cable. They recommended that I replace the throttle body. It appears to me, that there is a flaw in the vehicle, that allows runaway acceleration when a mechanical failure of this kind occurs. I contacted american Honda ("brian" at 800-999-1009 x 117738), and explained the problem to him. He got back to me two days later, and told me that Honda was unwilling to fix the problem. I believe that this issue warrants an investigation, as it could have resulted in death or severe injury. The same vehicle also has developed a transmission problem, over the last year or so. It feels like the transmission is beginning to fail. There is a delay between gears, that feels like the torque converter isn't locking up as fast as it used to. It makes pulling out into traffic more difficult. Despite there having been an admitted transmission problem, with 2002 v6 Accords, the dealer suggests that I try another transmission fluid change, instead of replacing the transmission. They cite the car's high mileage, 142,000 miles, as the reason that Honda will not pay for any safety or warranty related issues. Please advise.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
9

Failure Date: 12/18/2009

Torque converter failure, transmission would not up shift at times or severe jumping when it would shift; also it would down shift at normal driving speed causing a sudden slowing of the car.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
10

Failure Date: 10/09/2009

2002 Honda Accord ex transmission failure
torque converter failure, transmission would not up shift at times or severe jumping when it would shift; also it would down shift at normal driving speed causing a sudden slowing of the car. I was pulling out onto the highway when it slipped and could only see a truck barreling towards me. Luckily, there was no one in the left lane and they switched before I could get my car off the road. This is a serious safety issue where the lives of those riding in a Honda 2002 are at risk.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
11

Failure Date: 08/25/2009

Transmission torque converter failure, which causes the car to fail to accelerate or shift up gears also may cause a sudden deceleration with an unintentional down shift which may cause accidents due to driver is unable to control the speed of vehicle.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
12

Failure Date: 06/29/2009

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Accord. While driving 15 mph, the vehicle began to jerk and slam. The contact was able to safely maneuver the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle was taken to a local repair shop and the technician stated that the torque converter failed and caused the transmission fluid to burn and destroy the transmission. The contact called the local Honda dealer and was informed that the transmission would have to be replaced at the cost of more than $3,100. No repairs have yet been made to the vehicle. The contact called the Honda manufacturer and was informed that a representative would give him a call back next week. The failure mileage was 112,000 and current mileage was 114,000.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
13

Failure Date: 06/10/2009

While moving the car in my driveway it felt as though the transmission slipped when I shifted from park into drive. The very next day the check engine light appeared. I took the car to local auto parts store and asked them if they could diagnose why the check engine light came on. They said it was indicating the torque converter was the cause. I took the car directly to pennzoil and asked them to do a complete transmission/torque converter oil flush and change for about $145. 00 and to reset the check engine light. I had experienced a similar problem four years ago with a 1998 Ford taurus and I took that vehicle to a transmission shop who told me that it definitely needed a new transmission and it would be $2800. 00 to replace the transmission. Instead of just forking over the $2800. 00 I decided to spend just $150. 00 on a complete transmission fluid exchange which also replaced the fluid in the torque converter. Four years later I am still driving that taurus that "definitely needed" a new $2800. 00 transmission and I only spent $150. 00 on a complete fluid exchange. I'm hoping that my Honda will do as well. In any case, pennzoil said that the transmission fluid on the Honda Accord should be changed every 45,000 miles. My Honda Accord had 94,000 miles on it, and since I am the second owner, I'm not sure it was done at 45,000. In any case, I figure it was well worth the $145. 00 I spent, rather than $800 + for a torque converter alone or worse for a new transmission. The check engine light hasn't come back on and I have yet to feel the transmission slip since having the fluid changed.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
14

Failure Date: 06/02/2009

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Accord. While driving approximately 30 mph, the transmission slipped out of gear, which almost caused a crash with a large truck. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and they stated that the torque converter needed to be replaced. She is in the process of having the vehicle repaired. The manufacturer did not assist. The failure and current mileages were 56,000.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
15

Failure Date: 08/20/2008

2002 Honda Accord lx 4 cylinder with 108,000 miles. Transmission began slipping and clunking, primarily when accelerating from a stop. This was a safety issue, because transmission would slip, then catch suddenly causing car to lurch forward while driving. Once condition started, it was constant, but worse when engine was warm. Transmission was evaluated by a specialist and repaired. The problem was a torque converter that was bad. It caused the entire transmission to fail. The transmission had to be rebuilt at a cost of $2,671. 10.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
16

Failure Date: 06/14/2008

My Accord has 115,000 and I have taken impeccable care of it. I was driving from baltimore, MD to myrtle beach, SC for a week long vacation. While on I-95, the car began jerking and the rpms were fluctuating rapidly, but the car was not picking up. Then, I noticed a funny odor. I pulled off the road at a rest stop and let the car cool off. My husband checked the fluid levels and everything seemed normal. We tried to get back onto the interstate again, and it began jerking rapidly and the check engine light came on. We then drove to the nearest exit, and went to a garage where it was then towed 30 miles to the Honda dealership. I was told that the torque converter solenoid had failed and I would need a remanufactured transmission (at the cost of $2800. 00). I have contacted Honda customer care after looking online and noticed that this was a common issue with Hondas.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
17

Failure Date: 05/28/2008

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Accord. The contact stated that the transmission failed. The torque converter detached and fell into the transmission, which caused the vehicle to slip between first and second gear and jerk heavily. The dealer stated that they would have to replace the entire transmission, including the computer parts at the cost of $3,500. The current mileage was 75,500 and failure mileage was approximately 75,400.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
18

Failure Date: 09/13/2007

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Accord. While driving 15 mph, the transmission made a strange noise when shifting. The dealer stated that the torque converter failed. No repairs were made. The current and failure mileages were 130,000.

Automatic Transmission Torque Converter problem
19

Failure Date: 07/01/2007

The contact owns a 2002 Honda Accord. While driving approximately 30 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer and they stated that there was a malfunction with the torque converter clutch. The clutch was not replaced. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer and they replaced the transmission fluid. Recently, the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a diagnostic. The mechanic recommended that the transmission be replaced. The failure mileage was 28,754 and current mileage was 37,100. Updated 08/18/08
updated 08/19/08.